Yazmin Joy Vigus
Hi peeps! I’m Yaz, and I started aliljoy.com when I was in my second year of uni. You see, I suddenly found myself consuming vast quantities of tea and cake, whilst pondering the many facets of love, life and society. I’m a big believer in positive thinking and the power of mental attitudes, so my aim was very simple: to find the treasure in life’s trials and spread a lil joy. Today, these remain my biggest missions for the site.
Born and raised in Cornwall, I am a local bird who is now generally based in the fantabulous city of London. I tend to be found in kooky coffee shops with a flat white typing like a crazy-cat-woman (minus the cats) with my hair in an obnoxiously big top bun.
I write screenplays, columns, music and also dabble in some acting (look out for La Lune Folle and The Paradox Series coming soon…).
Favourite movies include Whiplash, Jurassic Park and Gone With the Wind – mainly because I’m itching for the perfect opportunity to exclaim the line: ‘Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!’. Classic.
I just want to say thank you to all the aliljoy readers; your support really means the world to us. Keep the comments coming. If you’re new to the site, I hope you enjoy and join our conversation! We’d love to hear from you. LOVE x
Yaz’s work has featured on LA’s Hellogiggles.com and Crisp and Famous. She is a regular contributor for Amor Magazine, Elite Daily and HuffPost UK.
Lauren Williams
Hey there, I’m Lauren. Nice to meet you! I’m a full-time rum drinking, adventure seeking, mountain loving, beach dwelling tea addict who walked out of the office life and career in April 2014 in search of a life of wander.
I now spend my days country-jumping, scaling big hills and meeting wonderful people. I believe that life is full of adventure, whether it’s in your back garden, halfway up Everest or on another first date. Ever need me? I’m probably in the pub, on a hill somewhere or making a cuppa (milk, no sugar. Cheers).
Check out my blog here.
Catherine ‘Cas’ Sutherland
A politically-minded Feminist, I am a relentless traveller and relish all things creative. I live life to the full and enjoy writing about it.
My family background is in visual art (illustration, photojournalism, fine art) and I have been performing as an actor and contemporary dancer since I was 7. I read English Literature and Theatre at Uni, and worked as a dance editor and writer in my first graduate job in London. I’m an avid reader with a soft spot for Science Fiction.
I’m involved in a long love affair with Asia. I lived in Seoul in 2011-12, and adore Korea, it’s people, food, culture and language. I have recently embarked on a new adventure, living in Beijing for a year (or two), working as an English teacher, learning Mandarin and exploring! My passport is full of visas and stamps from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Swaziland, Uganda, South Africa, Lesotho and Morocco. The more I learn the longer my travel list grows!
I look forward to sharing all my new experiences and far-flung adventures with you here at aliljoy.
Check out my blog here.
Beth Teverson
I like to think of myself as the English Mike Royko. If you don’t know who that is then look him up-he’s a pretty cool guy. Although I’ve always been a writer, I’ve only recently stopped imagining worlds and started taking a good look at the one we live in. I’m currently living in Cornwall (yes I’m back living with my mother) and am currently keeping myself sane by writing, walking my dogs and the occasional tipple down the local. Some may say this is paradise but I’m hoping to get back to the big smoke soon!
Becky Solomon
Hi I’m Becky. I’m a proud Northerner who likes to flirt occasionally with the South. I live in the picturesque city of York, which has been rated as one of the best and most beautiful cities by respected sources such as The Daily Mail and Buzzfeed. A Media and English Literature graduate, I left uni feeling a little disenchanted and wondering what all that work was for. But soldier on graduates- it gets better! Trust yourself, get involved with everything that excites you and the rest will follow. I enjoy a spot of kickboxing and I’m most likely to be found cycling in a hurry to meet someone who is already waiting for me. I’ve wanted to write things since I could pick up a pen and I thought it might be time to do something about it.
Poppy Gillian
Hi I’m Poppy and I am an English graduate, turned secondary school Careers Advisor. I like to read a lot and I write a little too. I am an excessive tea drinker and crazy animal lady (one dog, four cats and one rabbit). If I won the lottery, I would probably have my own animal rescue centre. Despite giving other people advice on what to do in the future, I’m not really sure what I’m going to be doing in the next five years, but I think that’s half the fun. Live for today, plan for tomorrow and hope for the best. 🙂
Sinead Costelloe - Editor
Hi! I’m Sinead. I can normally be found rehearsing, in class or at the theatre. I live in London and feel grateful for that fact every day; I love this city! Alongside work, I’m studying Law and a massive fan of Bikram yoga, reading and cats.
Ria Cajee - Editor
Pint-sized and mixed-race, with a lion’s mane of crazy curls, I am a lover of animals and of all things creative. I am constantly fighting the urge to follow my itchy feet to every corner of the earth.
My passions include dancing (especially contemporary dance), yoga, acting, singing, Zumba, literature, horse riding, spending time with my inspiring friends and family; and drinking incredibly weak, milky tea (for which I am teased relentlessly!). Oh, and Beyoncé. I can’t lie; I adore her.
Before attending a university that looks like Hogwarts, to pursue my passion for literature and theatre, I took a trip to Africa that utterly changed my life. Namibia totally stole my heart.
If you can’t find me gallivanting around London in lipstick and heels, pretending I’m in Sex and the City, then I’m probably back there, snuggling a cheetah under the stars and listening to the lions roar. I’m not kidding.
A wonderful woman once taught me to appreciate the beauty in each and every day. After all, life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Erin Alicia
I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. It started in primary school with a passionate letter to my parents requesting book fair money (Excerpt: “I’m going to buy books at the book fair and nobody can stop me. HAHAHA!”). Then, a few years later, I discovered the joys of poetry after penning a Charlotte’s Web inspired piece (Excerpt: “Charlotte, Charlotte / Her eyes the color of scarlet”).
Nowadays, this 24-year-old Cleveland, Ohio native spends most of her time holed up in her London flat writing about Porter’s Five Forces. Thank you, business school!
When I’m not writing or doing the whole postgraduate student thing, you can find me wandering around London and traveling in general. I also enjoy: dance, church, learning stuff, eating food, and holistic wellness (you know, like meditating and making green smoothies).
Alice Parry - Editor
I am a French graduate with a musical background originally from the beautiful city of Norwich (no I am not inbred). After spending 4 fantastic years at university studying the french, I moved to central London in 2013 to follow my passion and work in the classical music industry.
When I’m not in the office I can be found attending concerts or singing in them, drinking some form of hot beverage, watching french films, running or trying to justify getting a border terrier puppy with my current never-at-home lifestyle and non-dog friendly flat. (One day?) I’ve also started baking at home which could cause more stress than it’s worth. Watch out everyone!
I’m thrilled to be involved with aliljoy.com as I’m a strong believer in positive thinking and finding opportunities from bad situations whether that be lessons to be learnt or laughs to be had.
Patricia Obaro Odje
After working as a Beauty Editor/Marketing Executive for AMOR Magazine for two years, I decided I wanted to concentrate on enhancing my own writing skills, so took a risk, went at it alone and launched a blog where I could ramble on about my love of beauty products, clothes, good health/nutrition and of course life! I love sharing my different journeys and sharing my opinion on topics I am passionate about.
When I am not rabbling on about beauty, fashion or lifestyle topics, I am liaising with clients about their beauty/wellness goals or collaborating with companies about their social media marketing strategies.
Motivated, bubbly and feisty, I am always striving to inspire young people and enjoy a good debate!
Hope you enjoy my articles and feel free to check out my blog here.
Natasha Hotung
Hi, I’m Tash!
I’m a curly haired, bilingual Eurasian from Hong Kong and am currently loving life living in London!
I love the theatre, music, and have been lucky enough to experience many diverse cultures having lived, travelled and worked in different countries around the world.
In my spare time I like practicing yoga, meditating, reading, and eating too much food with friends. I especially have a dangerous addiction to dim sum and sushi.
I like writing about real life events and real people to promote inspiration, positive thinking and energy.
Sana Sarwar
I’m an undergraduate NCTJ Journalism student with a love of books and writing, and all things creative.
As a self-confessed adventure fanatic, I’m a full time lover of all things beautiful and inspiring. I thoroughly believe in the idea that life is a blessing and you should cease every opportunity, if I’m not reading you will find me either writing articles for my blog or painting canvases (like a 21st century Picasso, or so I think).
As a young girl lost in the big wide world, I hope to give a few gems of advice that will help you through the ups and downs of life – a sprinkling of a lil’ joy to help you on your way!
Check out my blog here.
Shiraz Engineer
Hello, Treasures! I am a lefty feminist hailing from Croydon (so don’t be messin’). As a singer, actor, writer, poet, runner, political activist, cook, handywoman, mechanic (yes, it’s in the blood), scientist and many things in between, I’m always looking for a chance to grow and deepen my connection with life, the world and its people.
Some of my many loves are friends, family, food, cats, theatre, travelling, music, science, literature and Doctor Who. I used to ride a motorbike and I’m scared of the dark. My ultimate goal is to train myself to be a Renaissance Lady and I want to share my experiences of this adventure along the way – I have been known to restore a vintage radio and cook a roast lamb dinner from scratch in the same day. It’s all about balance!
Fiery, passionate and determined, I’ll always say what I think and relish the debate. So please enjoy my posts but I also warmly invite you to challenge me! And challenge everything else in life, too.
Emily Macdonald
Hello!! I’m Emily, I’m trying to have my cake and eat it by juggling motherhood and a career. I have two fantastic children, a husband who puts up with my eccentricities, a degree in Media with Creative Writing and a profound talent for bodged bakery. I have a fondness for Dawson’s Creek reruns and researching the cultural impact of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (that’s my justification for owning all of the box sets). In a lifestyle overhaul we have moved to mid Devon, where I can be found working from home as an online parent supporter and blog enthusiast, while negotiating the school run (sometimes we even leave the house on time) and avoiding requests from the PTA. Village life is a new adventure for us having moved around the West Country a lot over the past ten years. Its feels wonderful to finally settle down and I’m doing a lot of research into vintage interior design at the moment although I have yet to pick up a paintbrush…… ‘Secretly we’re all a little more absurd than we make ourselves out to be’– J. K. Rowling
Check out my blog here.
Alison Graham
Hi, I’m Alison and I am an English Literature and Creative Writing student currently based in the Midlands. I have a penchant for poetry (reading and writing it), all things eco-friendly, music and vegan cooking. I am on the committee for Amnesty UK’s Women’s Action Network, as well as lobbying for Greenpeace. You can expect to find me in class, doing charity work or spending time with my friends.
Olivia Lowry
Youngest of three sisters, I will either be found with my head in a book or the clouds. However, I prefer doers to dreamers. I have arrived rather late to the Wanderlust party and have only very recently started setting off on my own tentative adventures. But What Larks Pip!
A dyslexic feminist, who despite a MA in English Literature will only ever have a tempestuous relationship with the Semi-Colon. Commas are coy and Full-Stops elusive.
Sisters, books and teachers have shaped me. Each of their throw-away remarks I have hugged to my chest, chewed over, or revolted against whilst negotiating the stormy shores of this life. Thus, I am drawn to the scrap-books of experience each of us has complied along our different ways.
I once blew our family’s really fancy pants stereo system dancing alone around the kitchen to The Jungle Book on full-blast. They all thought my oldest sister did it and she was blamed accordingly. You were right, it was me. The dog knew too.
Katie Fanthorpe
Like a strange tea, I am a blend of cat fanatic, book lover, and science fiction obsessive. If I’m not sitting in bed with a book, I’m outside trying to force myself into some exercise or I’m plodding around some fairly interesting Southern town. Enthusiastic about way too many things, I often feel a bit like a hoarder of hobbies. The only hobby that I haven’t metaphorically stuffed in a drawer has been writing. A notebook is my ‘what’s in my bag?’ necessity and I can often be found scribbling away, or alternately staring at it with a frustrated and blank expression.
I have just graduated from a degree in English Language and Literature and am hoping to use my long winding days to brighten up anyone else’s through my writing.
Check out my blog here.
Charlie Sutcliffe
I am a law student on paper who absolutely loves travelling and finding amazing music, books, films, art, people and food that really hits the spot.
I have a thing for honesty and have little time for things that bore me. I believe in exposing yourself to as many different things as possible and not being scared of the outcome. Like I said, I’m a law student, but after I realised that the only law subject I’ve actually enjoyed is Intellectual Property, and that every weekend I’m alone in a bar in a city two hours from where I live watching bands, I figured that maybe my heart’s in entertainment.
Writing provides an outlet for me to find the message and lesson in bad situations. It’s that voice in your head that guides you, but somehow you always tend to ignore it when you’re actually in the situation. But that’s okay because I figure things are either good ideas or interesting stories.
Check out my blog here.
Emma Farley
Hi. I’m Emma (call me Ems).
I’m a journalism graduate with a passion for pretty things I can’t afford. Fortunately, I’m also a bit of a film geek and literature lover, so I’ll be sharing some of my feel-good flicks and books with you guys; because that’s what this site is all about – finding joy in the simplest of places.
I hate being asked what my favourite film is, as it’s something that changes as you grow as a person, and can also depend on your mood. For the last few years, however, it has been Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – give it a go, if you haven’t already. And my favourite book was previously The Bell Jar but now I’m undecided. Hopefully, we can find a new favourite together.
I’m a big fan of Jodi Picoult, Dennis Lehane, Jane Austen, the Brontes and Sophie Kinsella, so I have quite an eclectic taste. I live in Cornwall, one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it is gorgeous here in the summer. I can easily amuse myself with a walk along the beach or sitting out the in the garden with a good book.
I have also been living with my boyfriend for the last two years and have become quite the housewife, researching new recipes and hunting down quirky new additions for the home. I feel a lot older than my 25 years. Above all, I love writing and sharing my finds with you guys, so if you see something that sparks a thought or an idea, please share it!
Check out my blog here.
Jon Carroll
I am a bearded bon vivant from Plymouth, Devon and I’m passionate about writing, music, films and comics. I’ve been in a serious, long-term relationship for nearly a decade and despite various ups, downs and sideway setbacks, we’re both in a good place and planning a wild future together. I juggle a lot of different roles; I’m a full-time student (Software Design) with a part-time job (Sales) and I also DJ and host a weekly radio show on a local, community radio station called eatmusic. I’ll be sharing my life experiences with you all and looking to put a positive spin on the roads I’ve been down.
Check out my radio show here.
Zoe McCarthy
Hey! I’m Zoe and I am a Writer, Therapist and Lifestyle Coach.
I’m passionate about helping you understand and develop your relationship with yourself, by supporting you in the discovery of your unique talents and abilities, as well as recognizing and resolving whatever’s been holding you back! Building upon and enhancing what you already have to become the best version of you… x
Check out my website here.
Ilona-Jade Errington
Hello! Here’s the bit where you get to know a lil about me!
I’m a (newly) London based Events Coordinator with a not-so-secret passion for food! I love to graze, bake, eat, cook and, occasionally, burn all sorts of stuff (including various body parts!).
I live firmly in the ‘my body is a temple’ camp, and believe that what you eat can change how you feel and your outlook on life, whether it’s that magical chunk of chocolate brownie or a super-healthy-super-food salad. In my spare time, I like to dance, sing and hang out with my wonderful friends.
I frequent the theater and am currently loving all things at Sadlers. Since a recent jaunt in South America, you will often find me in a Mexican restaurant or Brazilian bar testing out my dodgy Spanish and styling out my beginner’s salsa. I also belong to one of England’s few cheerleading squads and so spend the odd Sunday shaking my poms!
A few years ago, I became ill and had to alter my diet quite drastically, cutting out wheat, dairy and sugar. Amongst my friends there are also a selection of gluten-frees, lactose intolerants and veggies, as well as some people with more unusual allergies to coconut or celery. With more and more of us becoming diet-conscious, I think it is important to always consider the alternative; ‘free from’ should never mean ‘free from flavour’! With that said, I hope that I can share with you some of my favourite dishes and kitchen disasters; but most importantly, the joy of eating!
My mum always taught me that food cooked with love tastes more lovely. So, with that in mind, let’s put some positivity in our pudding!
Becky Bradbury
As a true Cornish gal, I love the country and all the quirky activities that come with the Kernow life style! I currently work for a digital marketing company as a campaign manager, but outside that you will often find me in Starbucks writing blogs, in the sea with my surfboard, or out in the middle of nowhere on horseback. I love to listen to music and am currently obsessed with Daft Punk. Life isn’t always easy and as they say, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, so you’ll find most of my blogs focus around the trials and tribulations we all face on a day to day basis.
Check out my blog here.